Kamonyi: NYC and RYAF lead youth in learning genocide history and supporting survivors

In partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC) and the Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF), young people from across Rwanda visited the Kamonyi Genocide Memorial in Kibuza Cell, Gacurabwenge Sector, Kamonyi District, as part of efforts to learn about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and support survivors.

During the visit, the youth also extended support to Mukankundiye Olive, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi living in Ntebe Village, Sheli Cell, Rugalika Sector. She received a cow valued at Rwf1 million, including insurance coverage, as part of activities marking the 100-day commemoration period.

Felix Hagenimana, the National Youth Council Coordinator in Kamonyi District, thanked national youth leaders for choosing Kamonyi for the initiative. He noted that some genocide survivors still face challenges and require continued support.

“We thank the national youth leaders for thinking about our district of Kamonyi. We still have survivors facing health and social challenges who need assistance. Although we have been doing our best to support them, our resources have been limited and we have not been able to reach everyone. However, we assure you that as the youth of Kamonyi, we will continue to stand by this mother in every possible way so that this cow becomes a blessing to her,” he said.

Mukankundiye Olive, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who received a cow from the youth leaders, expressed gratitude for the support, saying it would help improve her livelihood and give her renewed hope.

“I am deeply grateful to the youth leaders who thought of me during this commemoration period. This support gives me hope and strength to continue rebuilding my life. I pray that God blesses everyone who contributed to this generous gift.”

At the Kamonyi Genocide Memorial, Zacharie Benedata, President of IBUKA in Kamonyi District, gave participants a detailed account of how the Genocide against the Tutsi unfolded in the area and explained the different sections of the memorial.

“In Kamonyi District, the first Tutsi was killed on April 8, 1994. He came from the former Runda Commune in what is today Kigese Cell of Rugalika Sector. At the time, the Bourgumestre of the commune was not fully aligned with the ideology of killing Tutsi and even arrested some of those involved. However, on May 11, 1994, an Interahamwe militia member known as Yosefu Setiba went to the commune office and slapped the Bourgumestre twice, questioning why he had arrested Hutu men who had killed a Tutsi. Following that incident, the Interahamwe became more emboldened and the violence spread throughout the commune and neighboring areas,” he said.

Sakina Usengimana, The Chairperson of RYAF, said the initiative was intended to encourage young people to understand and preserve Rwanda’s history.

“The foundation of this initiative lies in the responsibility of every Rwandan to remember the Genocide against the Tutsi and preserve our history. It also helps young people gain a deeper understanding of the past so that they can challenge genocide denial and distortion. If you do not know where you come from, you cannot know where you are going,” she said.

National Youth Council Coordinator François Nyamaswa said the youth had chosen to combine remembrance activities with practical support for vulnerable survivors in line with the national vision of solidarity and social responsibility.

“The President of the Republic has encouraged every Rwandan household to have access to milk. We linked this initiative to remembrance activities and turned it into a major campaign requiring both financial contributions and personal commitment. Through the 100 days of commemoration, we aim to support vulnerable genocide survivors and stand in solidarity with them. At the same time, we are bringing together young people from across the country to learn about our history,” he said.

Josee Uwiringira, The Vice Mayor of Kamonyi District in charge of Social Affairs, commended the youth for dedicating time to reflect on Rwanda’s history and encouraged them to continue contributing to national development.

“We would like to sincerely thank you for taking time to reflect on our nation’s history. We encourage you to continue playing a role in building a country free from divisionism, free from genocide ideology and led by young people committed to doing what is right,” she said.

Aline Mpinganzima Benigne, The Head of the Youth, Education and Culture Commission at IBUKA at the national level, said visiting memorial sites provides an important opportunity to learn history and honor the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

“This is an opportunity to learn history because the history of Kamonyi is not the same as that of Nyagatare or Rusizi. Every place has its own unique story. Revisiting and learning this history is important, but we are also here to stand with our people because these events continue to affect us in one way or another. They are part of the history of all Rwandans,” she said.

She encouraged participants to share on social media at least one lesson they learned during the visit, saying this would help counter genocide denial and distortion online.

Dr. Ngabo Brave Olivier, The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts Promotion said the annual initiative aims to help young people understand Rwanda’s history while supporting genocide survivors in practical ways.

“This initiative has become an annual event organized in collaboration with various youth organizations, including RYAF, the National Youth Council and other youth leaders. It is highly significant because it enables young people to learn the true history of our country by visiting different regions, each with its own experience of how genocide ideology developed and was implemented. Equally important, it provides an opportunity to support genocide survivors, some of whom still face difficult living conditions. As young people, we consider ourselves a force for national development, and one way we contribute is through practical actions such as supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives with dignity,” he said.

He urged young people across the country to continue learning about the Genocide against the Tutsi and teaching younger generations about its history. He added that visiting memorial sites equips young people with the knowledge needed to challenge those who deny or trivialize the genocide.

The Kamonyi Genocide Memorial is the final resting place of 47,963 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kamonyi District has three district-level memorials: Kamonyi, Mugina, and Bunyonga Memorials. Altogether, 120,655 victims are buried in memorials and mass graves across the district.

The visit combined remembrance, historical education and community support, highlighting the role of young people in preserving memory, combating genocide ideology and supporting survivors as Rwanda continues its journey of unity, reconciliation and nation-building.

Dr. Ngabo Brave Olivier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Promotion, emphasized the importance of empowering young people to learn Rwanda’s history

Mpinganzima Aline Benigne, The Head of the Youth, Education and Culture Commission at IBUKA at the national level, highlights the importance of remembrance and historical awareness

François Nyamaswa NYC Coordinator, emphasizes the role of youth in remembrance and unity

RYAF Chairperson Sakina Usengimana encourages youth to learn from Rwanda’s history

Vice Mayor Uwiringira Josee commends youth for preserving Rwanda’s history

Zacharie Benedata, IBUKA President in Kamonyi District, explains the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the District.

Mukankundiye Olive benefited from a youth-led initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

A cow worth Rwf1 million was donated to a genocide survivor during the youth-led initiative in Kamonyi.

Dr. Ngabo Brave Olivier and NYC Coordinator François Nyamaswa pay their respects at the Kamonyi Genocide Memorial.

RYAF leaders pay tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi at Kamonyi Genocide Memorial

Youth lay wreaths in honor of victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi at Kamonyi Genocide Memorial.